Lake Tarpon
| Lake Tarpon | |
|---|---|
  Lake Tarpon  Lake Tarpon | |
| Location | Pinellas County, Florida |
| Coordinates | 28°07′N 82°44′W / 28.12°N 82.73°W |
| Catchment area | 52 sq mi (130 km2) |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Surface area | 2,500 acres (10 km2) |
Lake Tarpon is a freshwater lake located about 10 miles (16 km) west of Tampa in Palm Harbor and Tarpon Springs, Florida. Lake Tarpon is the largest freshwater lake in Pinellas County with a surface area of 2,534 acres (10.25 km2).[1] Its watershed encompasses 52 square miles (130 km2). Its two largest tributaries are South Creek and Brooker Creek.[2] The lake is a regional recreational destination and is renowned for its largemouth bass fishing.[1]
Although Lake Tarpon is designated as a fishing lake, it fails to meet the EPA's standards, and is therefore listed as an impaired lake due to its excessive nutrients and resulting low dissolved oxygen levels.[3] The lake underwent increasing eutrophication during the 1990s, following a large algal bloom in 1987.[4] Although initial studies determined that the lake was not polluted,[5] studies in the following years noted a decline in the lake's water quality.[6]
References
- ^ a b "Lake Tarpon | FWC". Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Archived from the original on 6 August 2020. Retrieved 25 July 2022.
- ^ "Lake Tarpon Watershed". www.pinellascounty.org. Archived from the original on 18 June 2006.
- ^ "Lake Tarpon | Lake Details". www.Pinellas.WaterAtlas.usf.edu. Archived from the original on 25 July 2022.
- ^ Deitche, Scott M.; Hicks, Donald (January 2006). "Lake Tarpon Drainage Basin Management Plan Update" (PDF). Pinellas County Department of Environmental Management. Archived (PDF) from the original on 6 May 2006. Retrieved 25 July 2022.
- ^ Landry, Sue (April 3, 1992). "Lake Tarpon not polluted, study shows". Tampa Bay Times. Archived from the original on 25 July 2022. Retrieved 25 July 2022.
- ^ "Lake Tarpon SWIM Plan" (PDF). July 2001. Archived (PDF) from the original on 25 July 2022. Retrieved 25 July 2022.
